A local ministry

The primary orbit of the ministry of a Lay Reader is within your congregation working under the direction of your priest and/or Archdeacon.

It is amongst your own local church family that you would exercise your ministry of teaching.

As a Lay Minister, licensed by the bishop, you might be asked by your priest to lead a Service of the Word like Morning or Evening Prayer. Furthermore, other liturgical or pastoral duties with your congregation may also be agreed between you and your priest. All Lay Readers have an agreed Ministry Covenant with their priest that clearly sets outs their agreed expectations and responsibilities.